The Citizen, 2001-11-28, Page 6Shop now & save
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PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2001.
Letter to the editor
Writer urges hiring of NPs for Huron
THE EDITOR,
There has been much discussion in
the media in the past year related to
the shortage of physicians in
Ontario, both locally and in other
areas of the province. Many commu-
nity groups in Huron County have
been actively involved in recruiting
and retaining family and specialist
physicians, working tirelessly on our
behalf.
As healthcare consumers; we
should all appreciate their commit-
ment and effort.
One potential source of assistance
to our current difficulty in accessing
medical care is, however, being
overlooked. That is the utilization of
primary health care nurse practition-
ers, registered nurses who have
received additional education and
skills. Their advanced skills and suc-
cessful writing of special exams
have earned them the privilege of
being registered in the Extended
Class (EC) of the College of Nurses
of Ontario. Only one other province,
Newfoundland, has nurse practition-
ers (NPs).
NPs have advanced knowledge
and decision-making skills in assess-
ment diagnosis and health care man-
agement. They are trained to assess,
diagnose, treat and counsel people
with common illnesses such as
throat and bladder infections, moni-
tor stable chronic conditions such as
high blood pressure and diabetes and
complete full physical exams. They
can order immunizations, provide
prenatal and well baby care, provide
health teaching and promote health,
independently and as part of our
health care team.
As NPs, they work in collabora-
tion with physicians, as partners in
the provision of medical care. There
are specific guidelines for when they
must consult with a physician.
I am a nurse practitioner. I have
worked in the Goderich community
for 18 years as a registered nurse,
both in the hospital and in the com-
munity. In January of this year, I
accepted a position as an NP in the
emergency department of the Public
General Hospital in Chatham. I trav-
el to Chatham early Tuesday morn-
Anderson
to summarize
meetings
for report
Continued from page 1
be a quick turnaround. It's a very big
project for a small community, but
it's important."
For now, Anderson's next step is to
summarize the items from the meet-
ings and report them to the board
with a recommendation. It will then
be up to the board to see what will
happen, she said.
Within the next year, Anderson
plans to keep building the existing
partnership between the hospital and
the University of Western Ontario in
the hopes of attracting more medical
people to the area.
"It's a very big, long-term multi-
million dollar project that requires a
number of partners; a number of
players to get it off the ground," said
Anderson.
She was encouraged by the people
at the meetings. "They were
intrigued and very thoughtful on
what they gave back in comments."
Anderson, who can be reached at
the hospital welcomes any discussion
that can 'help identify areas that need
to be developed.
ings and return late Thursday nights
in order to use my training and skills
to care for people, a job I still love
after over 25 years in nursing.
It is a two-and-a-half hour drive
one way, in good weather. I have
been unable to find work in a pri-
mary care or hospital setting locally
that allows me to practise to my full
scope — something I have spent four
years in university training for, in
addition to my nursing degree.
In Chatham, I work three I2-hour
shifts in the emergency room, seeing
patients independently, diagnosing
and treating common medical condi-
tions and injuries such as throat
infections, pneumonia, rashes, mus-
cle injuries and the like. I prescribe
medications from a specified list,
order lab tests and x-rays, suture
minor lacerations, apply partial casts
and order immunizations. I see
infants, children, adults and the eld-
erly. Many of the people I see have
no family doctor and come to the
emergency room for primary care.
For those with more complicated
illnesses, such as abdominal and
chest pain, trauma and fractures, I
assess and order appropriate tests
and consult With a physician when-
ever necessary.
There are very strict guidelines for
when NPs must consult with a physi-
cian. At times, tests and the plan of
care are only reviewed with the
physician, at other times he/she also
sees the patient.
I have been welcomed into the
Chatham community and feel I am
assisting with access to health care.
People wait shorter periods to see
me, less leave without being seen
and physicians are able to concen-
trate on those with more serious ill-
nesses. Community response has
been very positive.
I have been mentored by many
wonderful physicians over the years
— they have been eager to teach and
discuss cases and have been support-
ive in my quest to return to school
and further my knowledge. I would
not be what I am today without their
encouragement and instruction.
Physicians in many areas of our
county are stretched to their limit but
remain dedicated to their patients
and their communities. They need
help End nurse practitioners can help
provide the additional resources in
the short term, especially partnered
together in clinics or individual
offices.
It is still necessary to have more
physicians trained and to continue to
recruit physicians for our communi-
ties, but we all know this is not an
easy task. Many are near retirement
age, as are many of our nurses. NPs
could provide increased access to
care, something that is much needed
in many of our communities.
We currently have several NPs
working in the community health
centre in the Grand Bend and Zurich
area and one working with the
Community Care Access Centre for
Huron County. Funding for positions
has been slow in coming from the
Ministry of Health, despite many
studies which support the use of NPs
in both the hospital and community
setting.
Residents of Huron County should
be asking local government officials
and the Ministry of Health why they
are not being presented with this
viable alternative as a potential solu-
tion to serious health care access
concerns. We have an opportunity
with the possible establishment of a
new hospital in the area and the
building of a new clinic to incorpo-
rate nurse practitioners into the
healthcare team. The time is now.
Your sincerely,
Debbie Selkirk, RN BScN (EC)
ENC (C)
Primary Health Care Nurse
Practitioner.
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Get into the
Spirit of the Season...
CAI*
After 60 Years in Business
HAMM'S CAR SALES LIMITED IS
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
As of November 30, 2001, Hamm's Car Sales Ltd. will
be closing. We wish to thank all of our friends and
customers for many years of patronage. We will miss
you all.
In 1940 George Hamm Sr. along with his brother
Norman opened a garage in Blyth. License plates
dating back to 1941 are on display as evidence of the
family operation's longevity and heritage. In 1947 at a
young age, George Hamm Jr. started working with his
father at the garage as an apprentice mechanic.
Kenneth joined the team in 1948 as a bookkeeper.
Murray, the youngest son, joined the business in
1955. We are now serving customers of the third
generation and time keeps marching on. Dear in our
thoughts are the many wonderful employees we have
worked with throughout the years. Special thanks to
Wayne Park, son-in-law and nephew for sticking with
us until our closing.
Many, many thanks to all.
George, Murray, Ken & Wayne